Introducing Avon new SpectraColor Lipstick

Customized lip color is just a few clicks away with the new SpectraColor Lipstick from Avon. Get seven shades of lip color packed into one sleek, innovative package. Basically, there is two tone of color in every tube. By clicking on the dial, you go from the palest hue to the deepest, most saturated color, allowing customization.

It’s formulated with Vitamins A, C and E, lightweight, and high-shine formula. Available in 10 shades, starting June 2009, for $9.50. Check back later for my review on this.

TOTD: Hard to curl eyelashes

Warm your eyelash curler with a blow dryer for just a few seconds. Touch to make sure it's not hot to avoid burning your eyelids. Gently curl your lashes.

Asian 5 Steps Skincare Routine

The best things you can do for your skin is to develop a skincare routine and be diligent about it. Often time when I see a Korean movie stars, I always admire over how smooth and porcelain their skin are. It’s probably a combination of good gene, healthy food intake, makeup, and diligent skincare.

Below is a step by step routine for night time:

1. Cleanse/Double Cleansing: A while back I wrote about double cleansing which provide more information on this process. When necessary, use cleansing oil to remove make up and dirt. Make sure not to pull on the eye area. Then cleanse your face with a gentle facial cleanser that is suitable for your skin type.

2. Tone: Use a toner to remove any last trace of residue. It also help balances out your skin PH level after washing and help prep your skin for better absorption of serum. Find one that is suitable for your skin type or for your specific treatment need (example: such as brightener).

3. Use a mask and facial massage once or twice a week: Masks comes in a variety, such as brightening, purifying, hydrating, exfoliating, etc. For summer, a gentle clay mask is ideal as it help eliminate oil. Then there is also the weekly facial massage to encourage good blood circulation. Some Asian brands carry facial massage cream for this purpose. However, I imagine you can just use your regular face lotion or cream.

4. Serum: It is basically a “more concentrated” amount of active ingredients than what you would get in a cream. Also, since its texture is normally in a liquid or light gel form, it is easier for your skin to absorb. On days that you don’t wear a mask, you would apply serum right after your toner. Personally, I think if you are still young, it is okay to skip the serum step to save yourself some time and money.

5. Moisturize: Depending on the season, you will want to find a suitable moisturizer. It also helps seal in the serum. If you have very dry skin in the winter, use a cream instead of lotion. For oily skin, try a gel type like Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizer.

There you have it. Sounds like a lot of work, doesn't it? =) I have to admit, I myself don't always follow all the steps. But when I do, I always enjoy the relaxation and benefit a good mask provide.

Related Post:
Double Cleansing

Clinique Bonus at Nordstrom!!!

Now till June 6, you can get this 8 pieces gift set with any $25 or more purchase at Nordstrom. Enjoy the saving!

My Experience with a Professional Makeup Artist

Few weeks ago was my engagement ceremony. I thought I’d pamper myself and hire a professional makeup artist. I figure if I like her, I will hire her again for my wedding. I was excited and looked forward to it, as believe it or not, this is my first time having my makeup done by a pro.

I was prepared. I had pictures of the look I wanted to show her. So, how did my makeup turn out? I think my foundation was very matte. Personally, I am dewy kinda girl so I asked her to put some golden shimmer on my cheek to add radiance. The effect is not the same. My fiancé said the makeup make my skin look too yellow. Hmm maybe. It was not the best matching shade. Also, I think some people make the mistake of thinking Asian skin is always best with yellow undertone but that is not always true.

But I think my true disappointment lies when I had a friend told me that my makeup is not even. I checked and yes, it was blotchy. There was a big chunk of crust on the side of my nose. My biggest pet peeve when it comes to makeup! I tried to blend it out but it was hard because the foundation already dried. Fortunately, the camera was pretty forgiving, could not really tell. There were a few hours of break between the luncheon and our photo session. I washed my face and redo my makeup myself. =\

On a flip side, I have to give her credit for doing a decent job with the eyes makeup (hard to see from the picture).

Having said all that, brides to be, it is worth the extra money for those trials.